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School Board candidates share views for future [The Stokes News, Walnut Cove, N.C.]
[October 31, 2014]

School Board candidates share views for future [The Stokes News, Walnut Cove, N.C.]


(Stokes News, The (Walnut Cove, NC) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Oct. 29--The six candidates for the Stokes County School Board recently answered a series of questions about issues facing the school system. The questions and candidate's answers (in alphabetical order) follow: 1. Many of the candidates have said they are running to help the children of Stokes County. Can you provide three specific examples of specific plans for actions you would take as a board member to achieve this goal? Bill Hart -- (1)Hire and retain good teachers. (2) Work to eliminate combination classes. (3) Work to reduce class size.



Pat Messick -- Safety is a concern our board has worked on this year. We have resource officers checking in on our schools on a regular basis. We have updated our security systems at some of the older schools, such as Pine Hall and Sandy Ridge and have replaced the double doors for safety. We have also replaced the A-iPhone entrance security systems at both schools. We installed a new phone system at Pinnacle and Pine Hall. We have put on a new roof for South Stokes on C building and we are putting on a new roof on building A at North Stokes now. We have done mold remediation at Southeastern, South Stokes, North Stokes, Chestnut Grove, Pine Hall, and King. I care about our children's safety and well-being and will work to keep safety as a very high priority. Technology is a concern because it is an unfunded mandate to have students to take tests online. These tests require each student to have access to a computer, whether it is a laptop or some other device. Technology is also the educational bridge to make students ready for the job market as well as globally prepared. As school board members, we have to work with the county commissioners and seek grants to have the money to provide funding for the state mandate and provide more technology for our students. Teaching assistants in the elementary school and the exceptional children's program is vital for quality education. Teachers need help in the classroom so they have time to concentrate on teaching. As money becomes available in the budget teaching assistants should be replaced where they are most needed. Volunteers and tutors are making a big difference, helping students in the classroom. Classrooms should be staffed with good, highly-qualified educators and administrators who are working in their specific areas of expertise. High schools and middle schools should also have qualified coaches. During the hiring process, every applicant should have a background check and be screened to be sure they are highly qualified for the position they are seeking. These individuals are at the ground level with direct contact to students. Educators, teaching assistants, and coaches are the ones who have the most direct influence on our children.

Mike Rogers -- The first thing we can do for the students is to give them a safe and secure place to advance their education objectives. Over the past four years I have fought to ensure the schools are maintained and repaired to a standard that will ensure the longevity of the building and the people they serve. The students should not have to worry about the rain outside flooding their classroom and creating mold while they are trying to learn. We have put roofs on three schools in the past years and are requesting funding to continue the work we have started. The second is the much needed removal of Common Core will mean a new standard of education will replace it. The Board of Education will be tasked to ensure we make available all the necessary resources to ensure our educators can successfully relay the material to the students they are tasked to educate. This may come in the form of teacher coaches, training, and mentoring, and I feel the kids are worth the effort every time. The third area I feel is important is the removal of unnecessary testing I see in our schools today. We have, and will continue to, while I serve remove any of the non-required state based testing that force our students to limit what I see as their broader education. We have seen a recent trend that unfortunately forces our teachers to be required to focus on a test and the results instead of their true subject matter. I truly hope that we can return to the days that a teacher teaches, a student learns, and success is measured by the advancement of a child's education and not the scores of a standardized test. We do not have "standardized" children and in my opinion no two kids are alike so why do we insist they are treated as such.


Russ Slate -- I would start by visiting each of the schools and meet with the principal, teachers and SIT Committee to discuss their needs. I would also meet with interested parents and guardians to explore what their needs and concerns are. Understanding that the concerns of one school may not necessarily be the same for all.

David Smith -- Give them the best teachers we can; Teach a vocation for those that choose not to go to college right out of high school.

Jamie Yontz -- The general theme of my plan as a school board member has always been to give students a learning environment that is productive, safe, and a structurally sound. The productive piece of the plan is simply to assure that we as board members are putting qualified teachers in the classrooms and offering curriculum for all the career paths that our students may take. This includes core classes but also a plan to offer vocational classes for students that are not college bound. I feel that the current board needs to continue the course in this area as our past four year end of grad results has improved as hour graduation rates. The second plan is to ensure a safe learning environment. With a changing society, school safety is different then it has been in the past. Sheriff Mike Marshall has an important piece of this plan. With grant money from the state we have been fortunate to be able to have school resource officer touching all of our schools on a daily bases. We are also in the process of upgrading security features at our school when budget allows. The third plan is for structurally sound facilities. We have been fortunate in the past four years in the fact that we have been able to upgrade many overdue buildings. We have two new schools in the county and new classrooms and renovations at Lawsonville and Southeastern Middle. We have to continue to maintain these facilities in order to create environments that our staff, students, and families can be proud of.

2. A recent poll conducted as part of the Stokes 2035 visioning process showed that a majority of students leave the county after graduating. What would you do to try to combat this? Are there specific programs, and if so what are they, that you like to see the school system implement to try to encourage graduates to seek employment in the county? Hart -- This is a good question for commissioners. A board members ability to effect and attract jobs is minimal. One way we might have some impact is working to grow the school system since Stokes County schools is the county's largest employer. Some ways this might be done are: (1) attracting students from other counties by emphasizing and advertising our early college and proposed early college middle school. (2) Making our schools more attractive to new students through successful programs such as the GAP program at North Stokes. (3) Regenerate and increase our vocational Programs. (4) Revitalize our prospective teacher programs in the county and at the state level.

Messick -- Stokes county schools participates in the Career and College Promise through Forsyth Technical Community College with the College Transfer Pathways. This is designed for juniors and seniors who plan to attend a four year college. We also offer a Career and Technical Pathway which leads to a certificate and diploma. There are three areas: Business and Information Technologies, Trade and Industrial Technologies, and Humanities and Social Sciences. Many of these programs offer an internship with a local business. Many of our graduates have been offered jobs upon graduation through these internships. As more businesses locate in Stokes County, I feel we have a good chance of retaining more graduates. When these graduates receive a diploma and a certificate it gives them an opportunity to become job ready. I know that Stokes County has a lot of graduates that have moved back and have become well-educated in their field, productive, tax-paying citizens. They have benefited our county greatly. Many of these citizens are in leadership roles and inspire us all through their generosity of money, time and expertise.

Rogers -- The unfortunate trend of leaving Stokes County after graduation in my opinion is a byproduct of the limited amount of higher paying jobs within the county. In the past two years we have enhanced the Career and Technical Education programs offered in Stokes County Schools with the goal of equipping the students with the skills to obtain these jobs. While economic development is a focal point of our commissioners, one key factor that helps make Stokes County attractive is a well-trained labor ready workforce. We as a board must strive to equip our graduates with the tools to make them successful in their career and the more qualified candidates for a local job. This increases their want to stay in Stokes County.

Slate -- We need to investigate the reasons they are leaving. For example: Are they leaving because we are not offering a specific path such as accelerated/remedial courses for their child? Is there attrition because parents are seeking employment in other counties? Smith -- We need to get with the county commissioners to try to get more jobs in the county.

Yontz -- This is a issue that I believe will take a partnership between the school board, county commissioners, and local business owners to resolve. I believe that we first need to try and attract new business by whatever means necessary at the county level. We also encourage local businesses to allow students to intern as part of their classes their senior year. I would like to try and continue to bring some of our vocational courses back that in the past have been dropped due to funding.

3. One of the biggest issues facing future school boards is funding, both from the state and local level. What can future boards to address changes in state funding? How can future boards work with the county commissioners to address needed repairs at aging facilities? When working with reduced budgets what would be you top five funding priorities and why? Hart -- Do everything possible to push state legislatures to renew funding to levels needed. By: (1) working to get county governments, county school boards, superintendents, and teacher organizations, to unanimously endorse and to continually send correspondence to members of the legislature emphasizing school system needs. (2)Enlist PTOs to do the same. (2) Elect a more supportive legislature. --My 5 priorities in times of low budget are: (1) Insure safe transportation. (2) Insure safe adequate facilities. (3) Retaining our teachers. (4) Retaining as many early childhood assistants as possible. (5) Provide adequate instructional materials.

Messick -- I feel like we need to be more together in our planning process. We are facing a hard hit economy in Stokes County. Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet to transform the school system into what it should be. It is just a matter of rolling-up-your-sleeves, hard work on the part of the board, teachers, administrators, and commissioners. The State has cut funds drastically, and this is a time for County Commissioners and the School Board to work together to meet these needs. We have responded to the County Commissioners request for a five year capital outlay plan. Our committee has worked very hard to list immediate and on-going needs for our schools. As a school board member, I will definitely keep current on legislative plans concerning schools. I will also talk and meet with our representatives to make them aware of our Stokes County School needs. School safety will be my top funding priorities along with repairing our aging facilities.

Rogers -- The best way for any board to address state and local funding is to ensure we make our needs heard at every level. We must remember that legislators are elected officials that represent us and we need to make sure our voice is heard. Stokes County schools must continue to engage our representatives and maintain the sentiment that we are at critical levels and the future of North Carolina is at stake. When we deny the students the resources to advance we limit the possibilities of our state. We must also continue to look for ways to increase alternative funding wherever possible. If we can "rethink" how we address the needs of every child in the county, we can possibly stop the trend of declining enrolment. The board can for instance look in the direction of virtual classrooms where technology is utilized and allow for students in the home school venue to be accounted for in our funding base from the state. The Board of Education has just finalized our five year plan and submitted it to the county commissioners with the intent to work together on finding a way to plan and implement a path going forward to allow for the actual needs to be met and ensure long term goals are met. To me the top five priorities would be the much needed roofs at North Stokes, Chestnut Grove, and Germanton. In addition we must address the requirement of technology upgrades in the classroom so that our kids are truly ready for the 21st Century. The fifth priority in my mind is to continue to work to keep the teacher to student ratio as small as possible because this simply produces a better student outcome.

Slate -- State funding depends on the amount of revenue received. At this time public education is receiving an amount greater than 50 percent of the state's revenue. Local County Commissioners are folks that live in this county and also want what is best for its citizens. Commissioners have the same challenge as the State: limited revenues to work with. the present school board has approved a 5 year plan for capital improvements and repairs requested by the county commissioners.

Smith --Talk to representative to see if we can get more money. Have a meeting with them and see if they will give us the money to repair the schools. Teachers because we need good teachers. Keep the schools and buses in good shape.

Yontz -- We have a fiscally sound group of representatives at the state level, and I believe things will get better from that prospective. However, in the last four years we have managed to shuffle positions, not feel some positions that have been vacated due to retirement, permanent leave, etc., and simply ask our staff to do more with less. We are very fortunate in Stokes County to have wonderful employees that are willing to go above and beyond their job description for the good of the students. Our current board is in the process of comprising a five year capital plan for our facility needs that will give our County Commissioners a canvas to work from when preparing their budget. I believe this to be a very important plan that will address needs and not wants at our facilities. As a school board member it is our job to bring attention to our needs and work with the county commissioners to try and have those needs funded. Since coming on the board our first priority is setting our budget has been to retain employees. This has been the theme of the budget for the last four years. This to me is the most important piece, as our teachers and administrator are touching our students every day. We can't afford to increase class sizes and sacrifice the future of our students at any cost. The second funding priority would be safety at our schools as I have explained in the first question. Next is the facility needs, also explained in the first question. The fourth funding priority is our technology piece. In an electronic world it is crucial to give our students the tools to be able to compete with students in other districts. The final priority is to fund curriculum for our entire student body. I believe that not all of our students are college bound and it is crucial to offer them alternatives, so they can be job ready after graduation. We have examples now of how this works through our nursing and allied health programs, which give our students the opportunity to graduate as a CNA.

4. Part of the problem with state and federal funding is declining ADM in county schools. How would you combat this problem? How do you plan to stem and possibly reverse any possible flow of students charter schools? Are there ways the county can attract students from other counties to increase ADM? Hart -- This is made more difficult in tough economic times, especially in rural counties. My suggestions are the four I listed in question 2.

Messick -- We are experiencing a perfect storm of accelerating costs during difficult economic times when families are sending their children to charter schools. This is the time to elicit the help of our legislators to address the major problems that we face. Public schools are held to different standards and the playing field is not level. Our teachers need to be paid better, and there needs to be more opportunities for professional development. The County needs to expand their emphasis on technology, by getting it into the hands of the school children to help them become life-long learners with 21st century skills. We need to make sure our schools are open, friendly, and responsive to the individual needs. We also need to make sure our curriculum has all the advantages, and is as competitive as the charter schools.

Rogers -- As I said in my previous answer we must "rethink" the education process and how we present material to the students. With Raleigh finally listening to us in the removal of Common Core we will see new curriculum being introduced and we have a wonderful opportunity to work to open the doors of our education process tailored to every child's needs. If a virtual classroom and the broad spectrum of classes we can offer attracts the students currently taking the charter or home school path then the ADM will go back up and funding will increase. We also need to do a better job at making everyone aware of the good things going on in Stokes County. We have seen the highest graduation rates in recent years and if you combine that with the success of the graduates we are producing, we have a lot to offer those in neighboring North Carolina counties.

Slate -- It is my understanding the present board has already opened up opportunities for students from other counties to transfer to Stokes. Let's find out why parents are moving their children to charter schools. Are they offering something that we are not providing? Smith -- I don't know, because it is up to the parent where their children go to school.

Yontz -- 5. Francisco Elementary School is the school with the largest ADM challenges. Starting next year, if the ADM does not increase, the state will no longer fund the principal position at that school. How do you intend to deal with this issue? Do you feel like the proposal to create a middle school Early College feeder campus at Francisco will become a reality, and if so will that solve the problem? If it does not and state funding for the principal position is removed, do you support using local funds for that position, would you prefer working out a way to share the position with another school, or do you think the school should be closed? Please explain your answer.

Hart -- There are more concerns than just the ADM for those who in live in the Francisco community. There are questions about how the ADM became low; (2010-ADM 125, 2011-ADM 102 as Nancy Reynolds reopened, 2014-ADM 62 as Lawsonville's new addition opened). There Questions about intent. There are many questions, but they will be answered later.-- I intend to deal with the problem head-on, in public and openly. -- It is my hope that the effort to bring an early college middle school to Francisco is successful. It would be a wonderful thing if Stokes County was at the forefront of an educational idea rather than at the tail-end as we are with our community college efforts. The early college middle school is an idea that is in its infancy in NC, and we can be a county that helps the idea grow. There is much enthusiasm from our partners at Forsyth Tech.-- There are ways other than those you have suggested to deal with the principal problem. In the past, and on more than one occasion, the principal at Francisco taught half of the day and performed their principal duties half of the day. I was told by a former principal he was employed in this manner for about 7 years. An example of how this might work; the principal could teach a 40 minute PE period to each of Francisco's classes and allow those teachers time to prepare for instruction. Another idea could be to have a lead teacher perform some of the administrative duties needed if the elementary is there in conjunction with the early college middle school.

Messick -- The Stokes County school system is in the process of establishing a sixth through eighth grade program called Francisco Preparatory Academy. We will be allowing all fifth grade students across Stokes County to apply. This new school concept will become a feeder to our Stokes Early College. The school will become a K-8 academy, thus increasing the enrollment at Francisco. A grant has been written for this concept in conjunction with Forsyth Technical Community College. I feel this is a good solution since the community is on board with this concept. I feel very positive about Francisco's Preparatory Academy becoming successful.

Rogers -- Francisco has been a concern of the board for recent years. The push to create an Early College transition school would be a great enhancement to that learning path because it will enable the student to smoothly handle the advanced education process. We have high hopes that private grants will assist us in reaching our goals and will eliminate the ADM issue we are facing. The school is the center of the community for which it serves and that facility is one of the best we have in the county. In the unfortunate event we are unable to create a middle school academy at this facility I truly believe it can be made a hub for a potential alternative online campus where the student can come in and take classes, record their presence in the ADM, and reverse the attendance trend. In the event we need to share administration duties with staff while the transition is made to 21st century learning then we can utilize the asset Francisco is to our system.

Slate -- This is an issue that cannot easily be resolved. The entire community of Francisco revolves around that school. It is the hub and catalyst for community activities. No stone should be left unturned and every avenue explored for the sake of the children and the community in which they live. We should not rest until all the options are put on the table and citizen and teacher input has been heard. Using this school for a feeder campus for Middle School Early College may also involve logistical challenges and what effect would that have on the present student body there. For me that is the only one of many possible solution. Until all avenues have been pursued I would support using local funds for the principal position.

Smith -- I don't think the school should be closed. With me not being on the board, I don't know what is being discussed about the other issues.

Yontz --We have several options that we can look at for Fransciso Elementary School should we loose state funding. There is always the option of a shared position between two schools, or an administrator that could be in the classroom and also take on the duties of a principal. We are also exploring the possibility of the middle school early college program, that I believe if needed could become a reality. I believe that Francisco Elementary is a very important part of the community and by losing the school the community would loose its identity. I would like to come to a conclusion that both the community and the citizens of Stokes County are satisfied with so that our parents, staff, and students at Francisco can have confidence that their school will continue to be the pulse of their community.

6. Both the Early College and Meadowbrook Academy have had great success in recent years serving students at different ends of spectrum of needs. Do you feel like the average student is also getting as much attention as they should be? Why or why not? Hart -- Yes. -- Schools offerings are directed for the majority of our students. If we fall short it is more likely to be in AG and advanced offerings.

Messick -- Our curriculum provides opportunities for students at all levels. College prep through vocational training is available to all students throughout our curriculum. We also offer the North Carolina Virtual Public School as well. Certainly the educational opportunity at both extremes seems to be more visible but the opportunities for the average student are certainly there. Stokes County Schools offer all levels of educational opportunities to inspire life-long learners.

Rogers -- While we have two great alternative schools in our system we also have three wonderful high schools in the county. While I am not a proponent of grading by test scores alone we must realize that all three have high scores academically as well as great success outside the classroom. Each year we read about State titles being awarded to our students we also must realize we have great Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Art, and many other departments that extend into the community.

Slate -- The Early College provides students with an opportunity to travel a self determined path of studies and will enable them to receive a high school diploma if they choose an associates degree. Meadowbrook Academy offers students an opportunity for more one on one attention and interaction thereby setting them on track to receive their high school diploma. We are fortunate in Stokes County to have dedicated educators that will be proactive if they see a decline in a student's grade s and take action by calling a parent to discuss student interventions. If I have a concern, it's that the demands for test results interfere with the teacher's ability to give a needy student one on one assistance.

Smith -- Yes. We have the teachers to do the job. I feel like they are doing a good job.

Yontz -- The average student in Stokes County certainly receives as much attention as others. Our graduation rates and test scores are on an upward path and this can only happen by constant attention to the students, and supporting staff with tools needed to achieve success.

7. As the price of college and student loans continue to skyrocket many people throughout the country are saying there needs to more focus on non-college oriented educational tracks which provide more vocational instruction so student can achieve a high paying job after graduating high school. Do you feel like Stokes County provides enough of these opportunities? Why or why not? What programs would you like to see added to the curriculum and how you fund them? Hart -- No. -- In the 70's and 80's our schools were filled with wonderful shops where carpentry, welding, auto-body work and auto mechanics and horticulture were taught. As technology exploded onto the scene Stokes County bought into the idea that everyone needed computer skills and more college to be able to get jobs. We sold the equipment from most of those shops and have only maintained our horticulture classes while added our Nursing programs. Both of these are extremely popular. It would be very expensive to revitalize some of these programs but I believe it would be worth the effort if we do our research and proceed carefully. It would benefit many students in a rural county such as ours. ---Funding them is the elephant in the room considering all the other needs that we are unable to fund. We can pick one that our research tells us best helps make a person job ready or leads to employment and search for a grant.

Messick -- I certainly feel Stokes County schools offer many vocational and instructional tracks. With our Career and Technical Pathways Program, we offer certificate and diploma pathways. Under Business and Information Technologies we offer eighteen programs. Under Trade and Industrial Technologies sixteen courses are offered. Under Humanities and Social Sciences, one program is offered. We participate in the NC/Stokes County Career Clusters which include: (1) Information Technology (2) Marketing (3) Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, (4) Transportation, Distribution and Logistics. These Career Clusters offer job ready skills upon graduation. By providing a vocational path students can not only embark upon a professional or academic career, but many can continue to pursue apprenticeships, specialized college programs or other professional routes. As I stated before, we are in a hard economy, but that does not mean our children should be robbed of opportunities for a bright future.

Rogers -- The fact that I am a father with a child in college I know all too well that this is an expensive venture. We are fortunate in Stokes County to be able to offer programs where student are able to become career ready upon graduation. However, I would like to see these programs further advanced. Last year we introduced construction classes at one high school allowing students from all three high schools to develop their skills in that field. Our graduates are now able to graduate with their Certified Nursing Assistance certificate allowing for transition into the medical field. We had one high school to gain national attention for the work they do in preparing students for the Agriculture field. The focus is being made to advance the ability of the non-college bound student to truly be prepared and we will continue to do so. When we find funding opportunities from grants to assist utilize the opportunity and we will continue to be creative if I have the continued opportunity to push this.

Slate -- I agree with the people. Today's needs have changed. There is now a demand for trained tradesmen. When North Stokes and South Stokes became consolidated schools they were equipped with training instructors with state of the art vocational equipment. For the most part these have been eliminated from our schools. In today's environment a trained plumber, electrician, welder, masonry and auto mechanic can demand a high starting salary than a certified first year public school teacher. I feel that introductory classes could be offered that would be a stepping stone to more specialized training in their chosen field at our community college.

Smith -- No I don't. CNA, early childhood education, mechanics, carpentry, welding -- send them to Early College for these. I have already spoken to Mr. Holloway, and he suggested there for these classes.

Yontz -- With the debt that straps many college graduates I agree that many high school students are looking for alternatives after graduation. Our vocational courses are working for our students and family but I do believe that we need to look in the communities and ad courses that are desirable for our surrounding business leaders. Some examples of ideas for additional courses could be hospitality and tourism, law, public safety, welding and fabricating. All of these CTE courses could offer local job after graduation.

8. There is also a continual push for increased technology in classrooms. Do you feel like the level of technology currently in county classrooms is appropriate? Should schools be offering laptops or tablets for student use, and if so should they be classroom based or take home units? Hart -- I cannot answer this question adequately not being privy to the amount and type of technology we have. I do know having a tablet or a computer puts a world of information at your fingertips. Not to try to implement some way for our students to have time with these technologies would place our students at a disadvantage. We must make sure that the things we implement are truly helpful and not so difficult to use that they squander time meant for instruction. We must test what we buy adequately. People selling these items have had the car salesman course.

Messick -- If more funding was available we could use more technology in our schools. We have not had the funds to provide each student in middle and high school with their own laptop or iPad. We do however provide computer labs where students can have access to technology. One other option we have is rolling laptop carts that teachers can check out for classroom use. As more funding becomes available our system will be able to offer individual computers for use in classrooms. At this point, we do not offer students computers to check out for home use. Students need to be prepared to meet the demands of the 21st Century. They need to be digitally literate. Through the implementation and integration of computer technology, into the classroom setting, students are able to have new, authentic, and meaningful learning experiences. Our curriculum is not built on just learning facts and concepts; it is about the process of building connections. Students become aware of the importance and value of communication. Technology encourages global interaction and collaboration with other classrooms, students and peers. Through the use of a laptop, Internet connection, a projector, and a webcam our teachers are able give the students of our county authentic learning experiences.

Rogers -- Technology is and will continue to be the future of how we educate the students. We are seeing more and more of the testing we do being done electronically and we must keep up with this trend. Unfortunately, Stokes County is currently not in a position today to provide the one on one device support that is suggested, but with the newly implemented five year capitol plan presented to the commissioners we have included a portion of year two through year five in our allotment request. We chose to start in year two because of the major cost of the Chestnut Grove roof in year one. We wanted to present a budget that addresses a critical need first and then the technology upgrades as we can afford them. In my opinion the tablets/laptops for student use will be at school driven to ensure they are maximized in their usage per pupil.

Slate -- The 21st Century technology needs are upon us and ever-changing, therefore it is important that our students be kept up to date with the tools they need. At this time I am not in a position to say whether or not the level of technology in our classrooms is appropriate. It is my understanding that our school system has a media coordinator that oversees technology and that individual can best determine what is appropriate. It would be a tremendous asset to our students if we were able to provide laptops for all students. One of the problems we have in this country is that all areas do not have access to internet service. Due to this problem research that might be needed could only be done while the student is at school. Speaking for myself my home is located between a high school and a middle school and internet service is not available to me except by wireless.

Smith -- Yes they need laptops or tablets, but they should be left at school.

Yontz -- Technology is an ever changing piece of the puzzle for our school system. Sarah wood and the rest of the staff do a wonderful job with the resources they have. The level of tech in the classrooms is lacking but this is due to budget cuts. We are in the beginning stages of putting hand held devices in all of our high schools with North Stokes being the pilot school. We hope to be able to eventually accomplish this in every school with the help of grant money. These devices would be take home units in some grade levels, and classroom based in others.

9. Please provide a history of your public service. What boards have you served on, and for how long (please include any leadership roles you held as well)? What community organizations are you involved in? Hart -- I was on the board of Education for 4 years. I spent 1 year as the chairman. My life prior to that was as teacher and coach. I also served 5 years as North Stokes athletic director. I was a Staff Sargent in the 173rd ABN BDE.--- Francisco 2035 and Francisco Preparatory Academy committee.

Messick -- My public service history is as follows: Stokes Partnership for Children (Board of Directors)- three years; Alpha Delta Kappa, Beta Chapter Educational Sorority- twelve years; Historian- two years; Chaplain- six years; Past President of the King Woman's Club; President- one year; Historian- one year- member ten years; Member of Poplar Springs Church of Christ; member thirteen years; Member of the Republican Ladies Group- three and a half years Rogers -- My public service has been most recently with Stokes County Board of Education having served in this position for the past four years with two of those being the Chairman and one as Vice-Chair. During those years I have additionally been appointed to the five year capitol planning committee in which we worked to determine the long range requirements of the school system to assist in budget planning. Prior to serving on the School Board I served as President of Walnut Cove Little League for five years and President of Southeastern Stokes Athletic Boosters for two. In addition I have served as Vice Council for Palmyra United Methodist Church as well as the Bible School Coordinator, Lay speaker, and conducted Puppet Ministry for youth in the church.

Slate -- I was a member of the board of directors at Overland Express. I am a member of the Stokes County Suicide Prevention Task Force. I served on the Stokes County Economic Development Commission for five years. I have been a volunteer activity bus driver for 12 years. Middle School assistant golf coach for 10 years. Middle School golf coach for two years. Coordinator and go to person for the Northern Stokes Food Pantry,a new outreach organization that provides food for the needy. Past elder and Youth Coordinator at King Moravian Church.

Smith -- Deputy since 2003. School board for two years.

Yontz -- Stokes County School Board 2011-Present. 2011 Vice Chair, 2012 Chair, 2014 Vice Chair. Coached and assisted in community little league organizations 10. Please list the top three skills or qualities you possess that would make you a school board member.

Hart -- (1) Educational experience (2) Common sense ( 3) Honesty Messick -- I come from a family of educators. I was an educator for forty years. I taught thirty years in Stokes County and ten years in the WSFC Schools. I taught at King Elementary, Mount Olive, Nancy Reynolds and Pinnacle. My daughter was a Media Coordinator at Lawsonville Elementary for five years and now is at Mount Olive Elementary. My son-in-law is a Band Director at Chestnut Grove Middle School. I have two grandsons, one at Mount Olive and one at Chestnut Grove Middle School. I feel I have a firsthand knowledge of how schools work and how the curriculum is presented in our schools. My experience in the school setting helps me bring a different perspective to board meetings. I help with homework so I know how parents may feel about that sometimes frustrating experience. My husband of forty-five years was an educator, coach, and administrator for thirty-nine years in the WSFC Schools. I saw firsthand how coaches and administrators do their jobs. This gives me additional knowledge when working with the board.

Rogers -- The three skills I feel I have that make me a viable candidate for school board are first I am a parent that feels driven to ensure the needs of the students are top priority. It matters not what school they attend but what the need is. The second is I am a business man and with Stokes County Schools being the largest employer in the county we must realize that the Board of Education is basically the management team of a business. Being able to determine budgets and spending allocations is critical to the success of the system. The third asset I bring is experience in that I have served for four of the hardest budget years in history for our county and I strive to ensure we spend smarter. That means every decision we make must be looked at from both today, and tomorrows perspective. Looking at the future as to how the decision might impact the system going forward is critical.

Slate --Communication Skills: Outgoing , never met a stranger. Negotiation Skills: Conflict resolution, problem solving. Management Skills" Experience managing a multi-million dollar company with over 3,000 employees.

Smith -- Previously on the board. Born and raised in Stokes County. Worked in this county at the garage and then as a deputy. In December of this year, I plan to retire and devote my time to helping the children.

Yontz -- Honesty if you make honesty and ethical behavior a key value, the team will follow suit. Ability to Delegate -- You have to trust your team to progress toward your goals. This means identifying the strengths of your staff and capitalizing on them. Give your team tasks that they enjoy. The will put more effort and thought behind it, meanly a successful outcome. Ability to Communicate-Being able to clearly describe what your vision is without being disrespectful.

11. Is there anything else you want the people of Stokes County to know about you?? Hart -- I am a lifelong resident of Stokes County. I am a graduate of Stokes County schools. I spent my career teaching and coaching in Stokes County schools. I Want Stokes County Schools to be EXCEPTIONAL and will do my best to help them be just that.

Messick -- I graduated from Appalachian State University with a BS degree in Elementary Education. I hold a Master's degree in Elementary Education from Gardner Webb University. I come from generations of family members who have made their home in Stokes County. My great grandfather, Joshua Mabe's farm is now where North Stokes High School stands today. He and his family are buried on the North Stokes campus. My dad, Troy Mabe, grew up in the Nancy Reynolds area and he was a very proud graduate of Nancy Reynolds High School. My dad also belonged to the Masonic Lodge in Walnut Cove until his death. My mom, Mildred Overby Mabe, grew up in the Quaker Gap area and attended King School. Both parents instilled in me a love for school and education. My husband and I have lived in Stokes County for forty-two years. I am very grateful to work for the 6,557 children and their parents in our county that attend twenty neighborhood schools ranging in age from Pre-K to 12th grade. Please consider re-electing me to the Stokes County Board of Education so I can continue with the projects that have been started in Capital Outlay, Technology, and Safety/Security. I will continue to work for sound educational practices that will keep our graduation rate high and prepare our graduates to become globally competitive. If elected I will continue to be honest, clear, and approachable by all. Thank you for your consideration.

Rogers -- In closing the one thing I want the good people of Stokes County to know about Mike Rogers is that regardless of the decisions I make while on the Board of Education they will be made with the intention of what is right for our children. There has never been and never will be a vote on my behalf that will be made with personal bias toward any school or area. I feel deeply that what is right for one child is right for all children and if it is not good enough for one then it is wrong for all. We are one Stokes County education system and every child deserves the same opportunity. The positions I take on issues are based on what I feel is correct and not always what has been "politically correct." The children's right to pray is just one example of the stand I am willing to take on your behalf.

Slate -- I was the administrator at Forsyth Country Day School in charge of non-academic affairs, which included buildings, grounds and transportation. Also coordinated a multi-million dollar building program. President of Overland Express, fifth largest full load carrier in U.S. with over 3,000 employees and revenues that exceed $100 million. Managed a school maintenance company that covered a three state region. Trained hospital and school personnel as custodians int he proper use of chemicals and equipment. Served as a missionary in Hayden, KY.

Smith -- I will not lie to anybody. If they ask me anything that I don't the answer to, I will try to find out the answer and get back to them.

Yontz -- I am a product of Stokes County schools. I have two daughters that are both in our school system. I believe that public service is a way to give back to the county that has given myself and my family so much. It has been an honor to serve Stokes County for the last four years. We have accomplished many things during those years and I look forward to serving for many more.

Nicholas Elmes may be reached at 336-591-8191 or on Twitter @NicholasElmes.

___ (c)2014 The Stoke News (Walnut Cove, N.C.) Visit The Stoke News (Walnut Cove, N.C.) at www.thestokesnews.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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